Google announced that the YouTube VR app is rolling out to the Samsung Gear VR this week. That way the virtual reality video service will get even more of an audience, and a great variety of new features. According to the announcement the app has the potential to extend the audience by “millions of people.”
YouTube VR app is described as a digital world which contains all YouTube’s existing content and channels. However, it also provides more content that is specifically created for devices that support VR technology. Until now, the virtual reality service was only available on a limited selection of platforms, being initially launched on Google’s Daydream View for Google Pixel and Pixel XL devices. It was also launched on HTC Vive and PlayStation VR.
However, starting this week, YouTube VR will roll out and become available for downloading from the Oculus Store for Gear VR for free. In that way, the base of users would greatly increase. Last year, as per Upload, Samsung said that they have succeeded in selling over five million Gear VR headsets.
Google further described in the blog post that the YouTube VR app will come with additional content that will be exclusive to users this summer, increasing the already existing selection of 800,000 VR experiences. Moreover, the upcoming content will feature behind-the-scenes looks at musicians in the VR180 Rockstar VR series, as well as a day featuring the life of Olympic bronze medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, followed by a gaming related racing video from SoKrispyMedia.
Virtual chatroom
Users of Daydream and Gear VR will be able to “watch and discuss videos with others in a communal, virtual space.” Google has added a new “Watch Together” icon which can be used for watching and sharing impressions together. The icon can be found under the Daydream View and Gear VR apps’ controls. Additionally, there is a potential that other platforms will also support this feature. While Google doesn’t bring its YouTube VR app to other devices, it is working on bringing YouTube VR to more apps in the near future.
Until then, those who want to enjoy the YouTube VR experience can now do so on Samsung Gear VR.
